Ungenaphi? Where to from here?

AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL scientist, the preface of my write is centred around environmental concerns and climate change.

- SHAAKIRA DAVOOD

However, as broad and overwhelming as those may seem, they can also feel disconnected from the everyday struggles we face in South Africa.

What use is talking about carbon credits when people don’t have clean water?

How do we talk about renewable energy when people are still freezing in informal settlements?

And honestly? The world’s a mess. From Palestine to Gaza, Sudan to Somalia, Ukraine to China, and from and from and from. We just did not get it right.

Capitalism and many other “ism’s” has flipped us all right over, haven't they?

South Africa exists as a developing country forwarding the African continent in policy and discourse, pursuing a deep, just transition.

But what does that even mean when you're living here? It cannot only be about pursuing renewable energy with all the technical aspects around wind, solar and hydropower.

For us, it has to address inequality, poverty and historic injustices while doing so.

It must recognise that corruption and failing service delivery are not side issues. This means it tackles the lack of basic services such as water, sanitation and health care.